PSU ranks among best in nation at fundraising

For the second time in four years, Pittsburg State University ranks among the best universities in the nation at fundraising. The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recently announced this year’s winners of its Education Fundraising Awards, which recognize overall performance and overall improvement in educational fundraising programs based on data submitted to the Council for Aid to Education's Voluntary Support of Education survey.

For the second time in four years, Pittsburg State University ranks among the best universities in the nation at fundraising.

The Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE) recently announced this year’s winners of its Education Fundraising Awards, which recognize overall performance and overall improvement in educational fundraising programs based on data submitted to the Council for Aid to Education's Voluntary Support of Education survey.

Pitt State again joins a prestigious list of overall performance winners, which includes more than 35 universities and colleges nationwide. Other winners include Harvard, Stanford and Yale universities.

In selecting Overall Fundraising Performance winners, judges use a variety of factors to recognize institutions that show solid program growth, breadth in the base of support and other indications of a mature, well-maintained program.

“We are extremely excited and proud to receive this award for the second time in four years,” said Dr. Brad Hodson, vice president for university advancement. “It was a true thrill to win this award in 2010, and to win it again is even more special, as it validates our effectiveness and excellence in the area of fundraising.”

Kathleen Flannery, executive director of the Office of University Development, the main fundraising arm for Pittsburg State, said she is proud of the university’s fundraising success.

“We take great pride in the level of support that our alumni and supporters continue to give to Pittsburg State,” Flannery said. “The importance of private donations cannot be overstated, especially at a time of reduced funding from the state level. To win this CASE Education Fundraising Award is evidence that our university-wide fundraising effort works and is a tribute to the amazing generosity of our donors.”

Hodson said many university offices and departments play a major role in the success of Pittsburg State’s fundraising efforts.

“The credit for an award like this truly can and should be divided up among all areas of campus,” he said. “It’s a testament to the great work our marketing and communications office does telling our story. It’s a testament to the work of alumni and constituent relations and the relationships they foster with alumni. It’s a testament to our advancement services office, and it’s a testament to university administration.”

“We all have an important role to play in making sure this university and our students continue to be supported at the highest levels,” Hodson said. “I think the CASE Education Fundraising Award is one sign that we are doing things right and moving in a positive direction.”